Staff Writers

David Archuleta Wikipedia

David James Archuleta (born December 28, 1990) is an American singer-songwriter and actor. At ten years old, he won the children's division of the Utah Talent Competition leading to other television singing appearances.[6] When he was twelve years old, Archuleta became the Junior Vocal Champion on Star Search 2.[6] In 2007, at sixteen years old, he became one of the youngest contestants on the seventh season of American Idol.[7] In May 2008 he finished as the runner-up, receiving 44 percent of over 97 million votes.

My Kind Of Christmas Concert ~ Click On Picture To Watch Concert!

Charities David Supports

Archive for the ‘music genres’ Category

This is a partial drawing of David Archuleta by @jPaleFOD who posted it on Twitter. Even though it is unfinished, it gave me so much to think about. The Shakespeare quote, “The Eyes are the windows to your soul” came to mind, as the eyes are the most prominent feature in this sketch of David. Sketch: “a simply or hastily executed drawing or painting, especially a preliminary one, giving the essential features without the details.” (Definition by Dictionary.com.) I was also struck by the impression that this image could reveal or even represent where David is, in his journey back to a professional career.

Being away from the normal existence of family and friends can bring on a feeling of isolation. The rest of the world is absent in your day to day life. Even if you are in a place where you have a purpose, such as a mission for your faith, it can be difficult to feel a connection to what had meant the most to you before. Responsibility for guiding others on a path that you know well, but one that they may not grasp right away, can bring you into unfamiliar territory. Doubt is your constant companion. How do you get someone to believe as you believe when they do not yet have the same touchstones in faith? Are you equipped with adequate words to bring them into your fold? In the end, will you ever know if you made a difference in their lives?

Have you changed how you view the way things are? Your growth in all areas is a sign that you have learned some lessons about trusting your intuition. These are life lessons that come from experiences not taught by books, but by interacting with people whose actions need deciphering. You have gained the maturity to know who is on your side, and those who only want something from you. A life once lived in a bubble may not relate to a life now lived in harsh reality. You experience so much of life surrounding you that seems fake. Your craft could be the only thing you trust. It is the one true constant. Regardless of the isolation you now feel inside your craft, it sustains your creative nature. It is one of the things you trust to carry you forward in your life. There is no hesitation where music is concerned. You are a believer in the power and emotion that takes over your being when you sing.

Knowing your truth is the first step on your journey back to your true calling of music. You discovered that what you accomplished on your mission of faith is tied closely to your mission of music. It is the belief in yourself and the confidence of the powers of your craft that sustains you and will carry you forward. Using your voice to touch those willing to feel the emotion and be healed, is your Gift. Use it wisely David, and all your heartfelt dreams will be realized.

Come with me to sample some Chilean music! From traditional folk music to the music of hometown Chilean musicians, to the popular music that’s hitting the airwaves in Chile today, the music of Chile is as diverse as the country’s identity. Here is what Elder Archuleta might hear on the radio or audio system in a public place, or in someone‘s home where the music is playing.

Folk Music

Los de Ramón
Los de Ramón, a Chilean folklore group formed by the Ramón family of Raul, his wife and their two sons, was dedicated to preserving Chilean and Latin American folklore by interpreting its songs with the typical instruments of each country. During their shows they would interchange more than sixty instruments according to each country.

They gave over 90 concerts in the US, Mexico and the rest of Latin America. Los de Ramón have a special space in Chilean folklore history. Here’s a sample of one of Los de Ramón’s songs, “El Camaron”, (The Shrimp) In my opinion, between the rhythm, tempo and style, it resembles music from Italy. What do you think?

“Illimani” is the name of a mountain in the Andes. For over 30 years, this band, whose name means “Sun of Illimani” has been at the forefront of Chilean music, both traditional folk and contemporary. In the seventies they were very outspoken lyrically and were forced into exile for 15 years. They moved to Italy, continued to record and tour and became unofficial ambassadors of Chilean music. They performed with Pete Seeger and were included on the famous 1988 Amnesty International Tour with Bruce Springsteen, Peter Gabriel and Sting. Catchy beat on this! “Bailando, Bailando” (Dance, Dance)

Los Bunkers (band)
Los Bunkers is an alternative rock band of five musicians that originated in Concepcion, Chile in 1999. Brought together by their common love for The Beatles, they’re known for playing classic rock music with a new freshness. They have released six studio albums and have covered several Beatles songs including “I Saw Her Standing There” and “Here Comes The Sun.”

Myriam Hernandez – solo artist
Singer/Songwriter Myriam Hernández hails from Santiago, Chile and is known for her romantic ballads. She has had an enormous career since the late eighties when she was eleven years old. She was named Best New Artist by the Chilean press before she even recorded her first album. Her songs spent months at the top of the music charts in Latin America and the US, and her albums have gone quadruple platinum in many countries including the US. Her second album, which she collaborated on with David Foster, went platinum. She founded the School of Vocal Arts with her voice instructor and voice therapist. In 1996 she was asked by Paul Anka to collaborate on an album of Spanish hits called “Amigas”. She was even named one of Latin America’s 25 most beautiful people in the June 1999 issue of People magazine en Español. With all these credentials and successes I was curious to hear her voice and see what she looks like! Que bonita!
“Mio” (Mine)

Alberto Plaza – solo artist
Born in Santiago, Chile, Alberto Plaza is a singer/songwriter who is known as one of the main pillars of Hispanic music, with more than a thousand concerts in Latin America and more than a million CDs sold. He started singing and playing guitar at age five and began writing music at 17. His professional career began in 1985 when he performed before 12,000 people at a song festival and his song “Que Cante La Vida” (We Sing Of Life) became an all-time classic. Fifteen years later the same song was awarded “Best Chilean Song” and nine years after that, was chosen one of the top ten Chilean songs in all Chilean history. Plaza was named “Cultural Ambassador of Chile in the US”, a title granted by the Chilean-American Chamber of Commerce. He has garnered numerous awards, including Best Songwriter, Best Album of the Year and Goodwill Ambassador of the Latino American Culture”, in honor of his valuable contribution to Hispanic music through his songs. Alberto Plaza is currently based in the United States, where he has lived for the last twelve years. I was curious to know why his song “Que Cante La Vida” was so popular. It’s a feel good anthem song and was sung by 28 Latino artists two years ago to come to the aid of victims of a Chilean earthquake.
“Que Cante La Vida”
Here’s another song I took a liking to by Alberto Plaza, “Bandito”. (Bandit)

Popular Music

Finally, I was especially interested in the music that plays on the radio in Chile, to see what Elder Archuleta might hear in his travels. I checked the Billboard charts to find the Top 20 songs that are currently playing in Chile. These are not necessarily by Chilean artists, although I see a song by Los Bunkers on the list. You’ll notice some artists on the list who are popular in the US too, like Jennifer Lopez, Enrique Iglesias, Adele and Pitbull. I found all the videos, played all the songs and provided the videos for my favorites. Hey, it‘s my article. Enjoy!

Since Spanish is not my first language, I went into this project with the notion that I won’t understand the songs since I won’t be able to understand all the lyrics. Surprise. Surprise. I came away with a respect and an appreciation for Chilean music, from their traditional folk music to the music of their native musicians. It doesn’t matter so much that I don’t understand all the lyrics; their passion for life comes through loud and clear in their music. And I love that.

Razor TV interviewer to David on 2/8/12:

Are we going to finally see a Latin/Spanish album finally?

David: Oh man, you know, I keep wanting to do that but it’s like I want to be more prepared. I want to be really ready for a Latin album. I did some writing for some Spanish music but maybe I should at least record one Spanish song before I leave. When I get back I’m for sure going to. I’m going to definitely record a Spanish album when I get back just because I think I’ll have some influences when I’m gone.

Like this:

“I believe that the only excuse we have for being musicians and for making music in any fashion, is to make it differently, to perform it differently, to establish the music’s difference, vis-a-vis our own difference.”

I recently watched a documentary on the life and work of Glenn Gould, 1932-1982 and naturally, I thought of David. I could be watching a documentary on the etymology of tsetse flies in Tswana and naturally think of David too, but that is beside the point. The similarities between David and Gould were hard to ignore: both musical prodigies and both possessing a combination of good looks and extremely winning personalities.

According to Wikipedia, “At the age of 10, he began attending The Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto.. Gould passed his final Conservatory examination in piano at the age of 12 (achieving the “highest marks of any candidate”), thus attaining “professional standing as a pianist” at that age. One year later he passed the written theory exams, qualifying for an ATCM diploma.”

In his twenties, Gould came to New York and set the world of classical music on fire. All classical musicians spend a good deal of their time “covering” others, and most take pride in being faithful to the original composer. Not Gould, as the above quote by him reveals. No one had ever heard Bach played with such absolute freedom and disregard for convention. He became something of a superstar, an iconic exciting figure, packing concert halls in North America and Russia way beyond the fire code limit. He wrote and arranged a number of original works as well and won a Juno Award for Best Classical Album of the Year in 1979, 1983 and 1984. He won four Grammies, three posthumously before his untimely death at age 50.

Philosopher Mark Kingwell writes that “his influence is made inescapable. No performer after him can avoid the example he sets… Now, everyone must perform through him: he can be emulated or rejected, but he cannot be ignored.”

This brings me to the subject of David doing covers. He recently recorded Forevermore, an album of original Philippines music, fittingly named by how often I play it. I mean the thing never gets old. From comments on YouTube and elsewhere, he seems to have stayed pretty faithful to the originals. If the snippets off his upcoming album Begin., recorded in the US before leaving for his mission are any indication, these covers will be more uniquely his own. They were all specially and lovingly chosen by him to convey his feelings at this unique time in his life.

Whether a classical musician, a seasoned performer or a young man on a mission with not a lot of time but an awful lot to say, doing covers carries the same challenge. Glenn Gould’s words bear repeating…”I believe that the only excuse we have for being musicians and for making music in any fashion, is to make it differently, to perform it differently, to establish the music’s difference, vis-a-vis our own difference.”

Two years ago, Peter Gabriel, who David covers on Begin. with “Don’t Give Up” did an entire album of covers. Of it Jon Pareles of the New York Times had this to say.

“For many singer-songwriters there comes a time to make an album of other people’s songs. That’s what Peter Gabriel does with “Scratch My Back” (Virgin)…A covers album can be a tribute or a miscellany, a throwaway or a statement about what a songwriter holds dear. The production can imitate the original arrangements; the way Seal and Rod Stewart did on their recent soul collections, or apply a distinctly personal approach, as Rosanne Cash did on “The List.” Meanwhile, in recording company offices, hopes arise that a familiar voice and a familiar song can add up to radio play…

When he eventually decided to make a full album of covers, Mr. Gabriel ruled out drums and guitars. He went on to renounce the funk, soul and world-music elements that have filled his past albums. He was determined to strip the songs down to the bare melody and lyric.”

On the following audio tracks, listen to the song in its original recording by Paul Simon. Then listen to Peter Gabriel’s cover. This is not about who has the better voice or which one you like best or which has a good beat and would be easy to dance to. It’s not even a competition. Both artists are geniuses in their own right. This is about what was brought to the original, and whether what was brought made you hear the song and its words differently. Did the one who did the cover of the original bring something new to the song emotionally, and did he make you understand it in a way you didn’t before?

The My Kind of Christmas Tour continues on the west coast with two more shows in a series of four on the California Leg of the tour. Tonight, David will blow the ceiling off of the Majestic Ventura Theater in Ventura, California.

credit Heather JT

credit Djafan

credit Djafan

Tomorrow, David hits the stage again at The National Grove of Anaheim, in Anaheim, California.

It’s been five days since Westbury and I miss it big time. But I can’t complain; it was a midwinter night’s dream to be at VIP, sit in Row 4 and see David perform, to finally meet Angelica and Abrra and catch up with old friends. The planets aligned nicely for me; the only missing link from The Voice was Djafan. We have been looking forward to The Grand Meeting for the last two years since we started The Voice. There’s something about that third dimension that cinches the deal.

(Dear David, do you know how many people you have brought together, how many friendships you’ve created, how much good you have brought to the world? You are so young in years and have accomplished more than you realize. But that‘s another subject for another time. ;))

I recognized Abrra when I first saw her at VIP. She’s cute and warm and friendly and funny and nurturing and every bit as efficient and geeky as she is online. We hugged and I gave her the big kiss on the cheek I promised. It feels like I know Abs my whole life. She is like a warm fuzzy blankie. We bonded instantly, at first sight.

VIP took place in the lounge and the lights were low and hazy. It was packed and we knew David entered the room when we heard screams followed by a hush. I could barely see him at the far end of the lounge but when I got closer, there he was, dressed like a typical teenager in jeans and a hoodie, signing posters for the fans. It was a pleasure to spend some time with SandyBeaches again and to see TOFan and refnaf. I also met Kizzi for the first time! Abrra was already in line to get a signed poster and she saved me a spot. I almost forgot that Mr. Bebereader was sitting at our table, with our coats and purses. He’s been a fan of David’s since Idol and never misses a chance to say hi to him. I quickly let him know that it was time. Since he didn’t want to leave the purses unattended, he arrived at the line with three ladies purses in tow. LOL The line moved quickly…

David: (Repeating me, as he signed) Beeee beeee B-E-B-E. Lower register. Dead. Why did he have to do that?

I could barely see him in the darkness but I wasn’t really looking either. Have you heard of self preservation? Then I heard him say “So how’re you doing?” I guess he was talking to me; I was the only one there.

Me: Great! Good luck at the show tonight! (So generic.)

David: Thanks! And thanks for coming out!

He handed me a life-sized signed poster and I made a beeline back into the crowd. A new line formed for pictures and then he sang the first verse of “My Kind of Perfect”, a capella. Lovely.

We were back out in the lobby after VIP when someone told me that Angelica had arrived. I turned around and knew exactly who she was. She’s beautiful, blond, bright, and a firecracker, a combination of attributes that you’d expect in someone who writes with so much passion.

I thought I’d pull a fast one so when I approached her I said “Hi Angelica, I’m Abrra and this is Bebe (pointing to Abrra who was standing beside me.) She had never met either of us but you can’t trick her. She good-naturedly laughed at my attempt at silliness but knew I was teasing. She sparkles; she’s fun; she’s a people magnet and she pulled me right in.

We had some time to sit in our seats in the venue before the show started. There I had the pleasure of speaking to SilverFox again; we met at a VIP two years ago. Shoutouts to FunnyGirl, who is even funnier than her screen name and Marciami, mi compadre. It was evident that fans were there from all parts of the country and elsewhere. This is such a credit to David and I was proud of him before the show even started.

On with the show…

This was not the David I remember from American Idol. He has evolved into an adult, a charismatic performer, fully in charge and a tease onstage. He knows how to work the crowd with his banter, jokes, and by the way he uses his voice. He came out with a slow saunter, singing the words to “Sleigh Ride”, looking completely different from the teenager in the jeans and hoodie I saw moments before. We gasped collectively when we saw him. We screamed. We stood, honored to see him once again. The New York audience never got a chance to see him sing songs from TOSOD and I was thrilled when he sang the title song. The setlist was eclectic and it worked. There were pop tunes, Jazzy numbers, Christmas standards and new Christmas songs. David was playful onstage but he owned it, giving the band cues, dancing, and joking with us:

“That one’s a mistletoe. I don’t know if it’s active on the stage tonight.” LOL

The highlights for me were:

1) The new bi-lingual Christmas song David wrote with Sunny Hilden, “Fa la la la la la.” It’s fun, upbeat, has a catchy tune. And it gives David a chance to let loose and do a little dancing onstage! It’s going to be my ringtone for the holidays.

2) The Amy Grant cover, “I Need A Silent Night”. Fun lyrics and David’s beautiful vocals. I go to sleep and wake up with this song in my head.

4) Little Drummer Boy! What on earth???!!! I was blown away by this performance. David chooses songs for a reason because they convey a message. I believe he was telling us that he wants to do music forever, is grateful for his gift and will build his career as he sees fit, thank you very much. He made a bold move and beat aggressively on the drums with mallets, to make that statement. A sight to behold when he held the two mallets up in the air. More power to you David. Own it! It’s yours!

All in all it was a great show and had something for everyone. I left the venue feeling both exhilarated and peaceful at the same time. I spoke to a few people as we were exiting. We all had the same look on our faces. What just happened?

After the show, about 50 of us gathered at the Broadway Diner to try to figure it out. We’re still not sure. Except that when all our powers of reasoning fail us, the words of Michael Orland, Musical Director of American Idol, Season 7 are brought to mind. “David Archuleta came to American Idol as a genius and he left as one.” On a cold wintry night in December, Mr. Orland’s words ring loud and clear.

Having no idea how important a bass player is to a band, my assumption was that the bass is the least important instrument because you can barely hear it, right? Seems that I had it all wrong. In any band, the bass player has a crucial role because he is depended upon to propel the music along. Establishing and keeping a steady rhythm by working with the drummer is another one of the bassist’s primary functions. The bassist is also responsible for linking the harmony or backing chords of a song with the rhythm. The link is so important to the song because it contributes to the style of the music, whether rock, jazz, pop, etc.

Enter Ben Shepherd, David’s new bassist.

Ben hails from Wellington, New Zealand and now resides in Valencia, California where he attends California Institute of the Arts and majors in Jazz Studies. He plays funk, fusion and jazz. At only 21 years old, he’s already worked with top New Zealand jazz musicians like Leigh Jackson and Kirsten McKenzie. In 2008 he recorded his first album “Double Play” featuring his own compositions.

Ben Shepherd has his own band called Mr. DanZ. It’s a jazz/fusion/rock/funk/blues/gospel band and Steven Robinson, David’s percussionist is a member. He credits Herbie Hancock and Weather Report as the band’s biggest influences.

“With the tight explosive pocket of Steven J. Robinson on drums, the thunderous low end from Ben Shepherd on Bass to the mind blowing technique of Bulgarian Pianist/Keyboardist Milen Kirov combined with the fiery fingers of Neil Kogan on Guitar, Mr. DanZ’s sound and style will keep you on the edge of your seat with their high energy and freight train-like groove like no other.” ~from Mr. DanZ’s facebook page.

There is a more mature, complex, raw vibe showing in David’s recent performances. It’s no stretch of the imagination to believe his new band has played a role in that growth, and will continue to be a seminal influence in the months to come. This is not the track Jive had in mind for him, but this “explosive..thunderous..high energy freight train” has left the station and there’s no turning back.

We’ve already learned about two of David’s new band members; keyboardist Mark Nilan Jr and percussionist Steven Robinson. Each, with his unique abilities and background brings something special to the mix to complement David’s voice.

Next up is Brian Green, an accomplished guitarist/composer with an impressive resume. I contacted Brian on facebook (he’s not on Twitter) and asked him for updated biographical information for this article. He immediately and good-naturedly responded with a link to his website. His music stretches to many genres including jazz, pop, ambient, Brazilian and groove music.

What is groove music? According to Wikipedia:

“Groove is the sense of propulsive rhythmic “feel” or sense of “swing” created by the interaction of the music played by a band’s rhythm section (drums, electric bass or double bass, guitar, and keyboards). Groove is a consideration in genres such as salsa, funk, rock, fusion, and soul. The word is often used to describe the aspect of certain music that makes one want to move, dance, or “groove”.

Hailing from and residing in Los Angeles, California, Brian first picked up a guitar when he was just eight years old, to impress a girl he liked in grade school. He credits rocker Eddie Van Halen as his earliest influence but later became interested in jazz when he was in high school. In 2000 he was a Spotlight Award finalist, giving him the opportunity to perform at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion with renowned pianist Gerald Clayton. In 2001 he was honored as a Clifford Brown/Stan Getz Fellow and selected to participate in the 2001 Grammy Band.

Brian was accepted to the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California in 2002, where he studied jazz and classical music and began a degree in Studio Jazz Guitar. In 2004 he worked with and recorded for producer David Foster as a featured soloist on Michael Buble’s hit single “Home”. Then Warner Brothers approached him to play with Michael Buble on a tour around the world for a year and a half. After the Buble tour, he concentrated on completing his degree at USC and on being a composer and artist. He graduated with honors in 2007, the same year he recorded his debut album of all original jazz music, “Scenic Route”.

“The disc is fantastic for relaxing at home but the music is at its best live, where, in the tradition of jazz, Green and his band create plenty of improvised solos and experimental melodies. His is a modern jazz, often eschewing the piano but making use of other tools such as looping pedals to lay down melodies live and solo over them.”~from Brian Green’s myspace page

“I always prefer playing live shows. Something can be lost in jazz that is too studied. Sometimes it’s better to create a vibe for the audience, an aesthetic. That’s what I try to do with my music…I want to make a fun environment for everyone so that they can relate to me, the performer, without needing extensive knowledge of the history of jazz.” ~Brian Green

Brian and Steven accompanied David to the Invisible Children event in Nashvile last month. We were treated to a new acoustic guitar-driven “Crush” that gave the song new depth.

credit JR

Since October 2010, Brian has been singing vocals and playing lead guitar for his own jazz/pop/indie band, Montë Mar. He credits The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Johnny Marr, Milton Nascimento and Radiohead as the band’s major influences. With music that grooves, improvised solos and experimental melodies, Brian’s skills and experience make him perfectly suited for David’s band.

The versatility of David’s new band is exciting and I can’t wait to hear them meld their sounds together and get their “groove” on!